This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a game-changer! With spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese all on a crispy crust, it’s perfect for pizza night.
You can’t go wrong with a slice of this deliciousness. I often make extra just to enjoy leftovers. Who knew pizza could be so much fun? 😄
Whenever I’m in the mood for a quick meal, I whip up this pizza in no time. Pair it with a side salad for a tasty dinner that everyone loves!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade crust. For a gluten-free option, consider a cauliflower crust which provides a crispy base that’s lighter but still delicious!
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite for this recipe; it’s quick and flavorful. If you need a substitute, canned chicken works, or you could use shredded turkey for a different twist.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can use any brand you like. Alternatively, make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter for a rich flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that gooey texture. You can sub half for pepper jack cheese if you enjoy a spicier kick!
Blue Cheese: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feel free to omit it or use feta as a mild alternative. Ranch dressing can be replaced with yogurt for a healthier version.
How Can I Get the Pizza Crust Just Right?
The crust makes all the difference! If you’re using a pre-made crust, make sure to preheat the oven as specified and let the crust sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before assembling. This helps achieve a crisp result.
- For homemade crust, allow the dough to rise adequately for a light and airy texture.
- Dust your working surface with flour to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
- Don’t overload the toppings; a little goes a long way to keep the crust from getting soggy.
- For a super crispy crust, bake on a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade, about 12 inches)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and then around 10-12 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delicious homemade pizza ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats—this helps to get a nice crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated. You want that spicy flavor to really soak in!
3. Assemble the Pizza:
Take your pizza crust and lay it on a baking sheet or your preheated pizza stone. Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, covering it nicely.
4. Add the Chicken:
Next, sprinkle the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese. If you’re using cheddar and blue cheese, add those on top now too!
5. Bake the Pizza:
Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the crust to be a lovely golden brown.
6. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately drizzle your ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. Sprinkle the chopped celery and any fresh parsley or green onions for a nice garnish.
7. Slice and Serve:
Cut your pizza into slices, serve warm, and enjoy a delicious slice of Buffalo Chicken goodness!
Remember, this pizza is not only delicious but also customizable! Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level with more or less buffalo sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before use. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly by submerging a sealed plastic bag in cold water. Once thawed, cook and shred it for the pizza.
How Can I Make This Pizza Spicier?
If you’d like to kick up the heat, consider using a spicier brand of buffalo sauce or add some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce directly to the chicken mixture. Adjust to your taste for the perfect heat level!
Can I Prep This Pizza in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking. Assemble the pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply take it out, let it sit for a few minutes, and then bake as directed!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for about 30 seconds. Enjoy the flavors again!
